Apple Watch apps will be installed via companion iPhone app

A new, detailed hands on with the forthcoming Apple Watch has revealed how users will be able to get third-party apps onto the wearable device.

According to a post on the A Blog To Watch site, apps will be downloaded onto the Apple Watch via a central hub on the wearer’s iPhone and then wirelessly transferred over.

The site claimed the iPhone app will also allow users to control the Apple Watch settings too. Following on from that it seems reasonable to suggest that software updates are also likely to be handled in this manner, although that wasn’t confirmed in the hands-on.

The post reads: “Apple actually made clever use of the Apple Watch’s relationship with the iPhone. Apple Watch users will install an Apple Watch app on their iPhone, which will be used to download apps onto the watch as well as likely manage Apple Watch settings.”

The iPhone will also be used to “handle some of the computational demands” according to the report, which means the battery life will be preserved and the watch will run faster as a result.

Considering there have been various concerns over how often the Apple Watch will have to be charged, this work-sharing mode could be a smart play on Apple’s part in order to eek out as much life as possible.

Everything else, according to the in depth preview, will be accessible on the Apple Watch itself. That means settings, watch faces and switching apps can all be done without interaction with the iPhone.

Meanwhile, reports earlier on Tuesday suggested the wrist accoutrement may enter production in January, ahead of its “early 2015” release schedule. The firm has yet to offer a firm date.

Chris Smith is a freelance technology journalist for a host of UK tech publications, including Trusted Reviews. He's based in South Florida, USA.
…

Unlike other sites, we thoroughly review everything we recommend, using industry standard tests to evaluate products. We’ll always tell you what we find. We may get a commission if you buy via our price links.
Tell us what you think – email the Editor